BBC National Orchestra of Wales

For almost 90 years, BBC National Orchestra of Wales has played an integral role in the cultural and classical landscape of Wales, performing to audiences across the UK, abroad and on air. Led by Principal Conductor Thomas Søndergård, BBC NOW has a unique role as both a broadcast and national symphony orchestra.

Generously supported by the Arts Council of Wales, and part of BBC Wales, the Orchestra presents annual seasons in Cardiff and Swansea, and as Wales’ national orchestra is committed to championing Welsh music and musicians. BBC NOW’s performances can be regularly heard across the BBC, on Radio 3, Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, with appearances biennially at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World and annually at the BBC Proms. In 2015 BBC NOW visited South America for its most ambitious tour to date, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Welsh settlement in Patagonia with a community residency, followed by performances across Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

BBC NOW’s dynamic learning programming offers unique opportunities to develop musical skills and explore the world of classical music. Building on its extensive work with Special Educational Needs schools, BBC NOW performed the first ever Relaxed Prom in 2017. The Orchestra’s home is BBC Hoddinott Hall, a world-class concert hall and studio in Cardiff Bay, where BBC NOW continues its work as the UK’s foremost soundtrack orchestra working on programmes and films including SS-GB and War and Peace, David Attenborough’s Life Story and Louis Theroux’s My Scientology Movie, and has recorded music for the Doctor Who series for the last 12 years.